Monday, August 21, 2006

Using Yellow Foliage in Your Gardens

It is easy to associate yellow flowers soley with summer but we often forget that this golden foliage imparts instant warmth to a landscape all year-round. Yellow flowers are especially valuable in regions dominated by cloudy skies and diffused light because gold-leaf plants supply missing sunshine. Also they are helpful for shady areas which can be a frequent challenge in mature landscapes because it helps them take on a a much needed glow. You have many options when it comes to painting your garden border gold. For example the gold-tone leaf has become a focus in recent breeding and gilds everything from ground covers and vines to trees.

All that glitters does not necessarily pan out in a garden's design. Here are some locations where gold plants will pay high dividends:

  • As an underplanting around trees and shrubs in shady areas.
  • Contrasting and highlighting purple-leaf perennials and shrubs.
  • Mingling with silver-variegated plants such as lungwort. Gray leaves cast a violet glow over gold and soften its impact.
  • Blending with yellow- and green-variegated leaves, gold foliage looks as pretty and prominent as soft-yellow flowers.

For more on this subject, click here. For all your real estate needs contact Nolting Real Estate at www.noltingrealestate.com and/or 636-391-9997.